The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew to retract what he described as “false and malicious allegations” made against him during a press conference held on June 25, 2026.
Gbajabiamila, through his solicitors, Pinheiro LP, conveyed the warning in a cease and desist letter dated July 6, 2026, accusing Adeyemi of engaging in “reckless, baseless and malicious” attacks aimed at damaging his reputation.
The letter, signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, ‘Kemi Pinheiro, stated that Gbajabiamila “has never at any time met, interacted with, communicated with, or had any form of personal or official dealing whatsoever” with Adeyemi.
The legal team faulted several claims made by Adeyemi, including allegations that the Chief of Staff demanded 48 per cent of a take-off grant linked to a controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, received ₦400 million by proxy, and abused his office to intimidate others.
Other allegations reportedly included involvement in fraudulent budgetary processes and conduct suggestive of corruption, criminality, and murder.
Describing the claims as defamatory, the solicitors said, “These allegations are not only false but are gravely defamatory. They plainly convey to ordinary, reasonable members of society that our client is corrupt, dishonest, criminally culpable, morally bankrupt, unfit for public office, violent, dangerous and undeserving of public trust.”
They added that the statements, which have circulated widely across traditional and social media platforms, had caused significant reputational damage to Gbajabiamila.
“Your defamatory statements have enjoyed wide readership and no doubt carry with them the imputation of extreme dishonesty, corruption and fraud,” the letter further stated.
The legal team demanded that Adeyemi, within 72 hours, cease further publication of the allegations, remove all related materials including videos and transcripts from all platforms, and issue a full retraction and apology.
The apology, they said, must be published with equal prominence in at least five national newspapers and on the same platforms where the original claims were disseminated.
They also required Adeyemi to provide a written undertaking to refrain from making further defamatory statements.
The letter warned that failure to comply would lead to immediate legal action, including a criminal complaint and a civil suit seeking ₦10 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages.
According to the solicitors, the damages, if awarded, would be donated to charities selected by Gbajabiamila.
The letter also indicated that the suit would seek a perpetual injunction and a court order compelling a public apology and retraction.
The development comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding Adeyemi and the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, which the Presidency has insisted does not exist.
Adeyemi is also said to be facing criminal charges bordering on forgery and impersonation before the Federal High Court in Abuja.